After a day of pampering and a gala dinner featuring a performance by the Canadian Tenors at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Katie Schulz of Dundas was officially named Walmart Canada’s 2012 Mom of the Year.

In honour of all that moms do, Walmart launched the annual award initiative on Mother’s Day. It is designed to give Canadians an opportunity to recognize the contribution of their mothers. Since May, nearly 17,000 nominations came in across the country with countless examples of mothers who have demonstrated a tireless commitment and dedication to their family and community.

From the 16,909 nominations, eight finalists and their families landed in Toronto on Sept. 29 for a weekend at a luxury hotel and a day of pampering and make-overs. The eight received $10,000 as a reward to treat themselves.
In addition to the title and cash prize, Walmart will donate $100,000 to Schulz’ charity or cause of her choice while the other seven finalists also receive $10,000.

Schulz is dedicated to making her daughter’s life a long and happy one. In 2009, she gave birth to Sophia, who was diagnosed with the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians — cystic fibrosis.

“When my name was announced (as the winner), all the emotion that I’d been holding in came pouring out.,” said Schulz.

“A donation like this gives me hope that my daughter Sophia’s future will be long and healthy. I believe that breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis research are right around the corner, and that the corner is getting closer every day.”

Schulz has dedicated herself to both her daughter’s care and to the fight against the disease, providing Sophia with two hours of chest physiotherapy daily and teaching her to take over 20 digestion pills.

Schulz was elected president of the Kitchener-Waterloo chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada and her tireless efforts have also helped to make the area’s Great Strides fundraising walk one of the most successful in Canada. In her spare time, she has written a children’s book about her daughter and cystic fibrosis, which is now available across Ontario.

Schulz charity of choice is Cystic Fibrosis Canada, which will receive a $100,000 donation from Walmart Canada.

For more information about all the Walmart Canada Mom of the Year, visit www.momoftheyear.ca.